PUYALLUP, Wash. — Two 22-year-olds have been arrested for allegedly hitting a Pierce County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle while running a red light immediately after a drive-by shooting.
According to the sheriff’s office, on Oct. 9 around 10:20 p.m., a sergeant was driving through the intersection of 160th St. E and Meridian E in Puyallup when someone ran a red light and hit the patrol vehicle.
The at-fault SUV continued driving off, and the sergeant pursued, but their patrol vehicle was disabled from the collision.
Other deputies soon arrived and found the SUV at a Fred Meyer near 176th St E and Meridian, according to the sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s office reported that the suspects were believed to be inside the store.
As deputies worked on a plan to contact the suspects, two men matching their descriptions walked out of the store.
Both men were arrested. One was identified as the driver, and the other was identified as a passenger, who had a loaded gun in his waistband, according to the sheriff’s office.
According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, when deputies searched the vehicle, an open container of tequila and spent shell casings were found inside.
The following day, a K9 and his handler tracked down discarded firearm parts that the driver had allegedly thrown out the window shortly after the collision, according to deputies.
The driver was arrested for:
- Hit-and-run attended vehicle
- Second-degree driving while license suspended
- Vehicular assault
- Attempting to elude a police vehicle
- Driving under the influence
- Drive-by shooting
- Outstanding warrants
The passenger was arrested for first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and drive-by shooting.